Stationary exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

A stationary exercising device which promotes cardiovascular exercise yet minimizes impact to critical joints. A base frame supports a pair of reciprocating members which are displaced in a horizontal direction parallel with the floor at one end yet reciprocate in a circular motion at the other end through a coupling system attached to the frame. Structure is included which permits each foot of the user to move in a generally elliptical path during the climbing exercise. This provides for more natural movement of the knee and ankle joints minimizing unnecessary stress on the joints yet permitting a cardiovascular workout. The device may include linkage to facilitate a corresponding upper body exercise involving movement of the arm in which case each hand of the user is displaced along an arc or a substantially elliptical path, again promoting a more natural movement of the ankle, knee, elbow and shoulder joints and permitting a cardiovascular workout.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/602,952, filed Feb.16, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,333 which is a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 08/377,846, filed Jan. 25, 1995 now issued as U.S.Pat. No. 5,573,480.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention.

The present invention relates to an improved stationary exercisingapparatus. More particular, the invention relates to an improvedexercising apparatus which enables the user to move his feet in anelliptical path more accurately representing the body motion associatedwith climbing stairs or an inclined ramp.

2. Description of the Prior Art.

Stair climbing is a popular form of exercise for the cardiovascularsystem. However, it can over prolonged use overstress the knees. Walkingis also a popular form of exercise but it does not load thecardiovascular system to the extent stair climbing does. Therefore, theneed exists for an improved stationary exercising device which will loadthe cardiovascular system as stair climbing does but does not overloador unduly stress the knees and other joints. Prior art stair climbingdevices have two common draw backs. First, they require excessivelifting of the knees or an exaggerated vertical movement of the lowerlegs. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,316,898; 4,949,993; 4,989,857;and 5,135,477. Alternatively, the devices which do tend to promote amore natural movement of the knees and ankles are difficult to ascendand descend because of the configuration of the devices. See, forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,343.

In addition, the need exists for a more rhythmic movement of the handmotions in combination with a stair climbing exercise to accelerate acardiovascular workout and exercise the upper body muscle groups withoutunduly overstressing the elbows and shoulders. Hence, the need existsfor an improved stationary exercise device which can combine themovements of the feet and hands in a more natural and rhythmic motion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, the invention relates to an improved stationary exercisingdevice. A frame is provided which includes a base portion adapted to besupported by the floor, a mid portion and a top portion. A couplingmember is attached to the frame which includes a pulley defining a pivotaxis. Two reciprocating members are positioned in spaced relationship tothe base portion of the frame. One end of each reciprocating member isadapted for linear movement substantially parallel with the floor. Thatend of each of the reciprocating member being linearly displaced maycontact the base portion or it may slide directly on the floor. Theother end of each reciprocating member is attached, directly orindirectly, to the pulley of the coupling member. In this manner,rotation of the pulley rotates one end of each reciprocating member in acircular motion while the other end of each reciprocating member movesin a linear manner. Means are also included for orienting the bottom ofeach foot of the user so that each foot follows a substantiallyelliptical path during the operation of the apparatus.

Such means for orienting the bottom of the foot may include a linkageassembly for each reciprocating member. Each such linkage assemblycomprises at least one link which is pivotally connected proximal oneend between the two ends of the reciprocating member, closest to the endthat is being displaced along the floor. This additional linkage isrestrained at its other end within the base portion of the framepermitting the second end of the link only to move substantiallyparallel with the floor or base as is the case for the first and of eachreciprocating member.

In the preferred embodiment, each linkage assembly includes a secondlink which is pivotally connected to the second end of the first link.The second link is then pivotally restrained to the top portion of theframe proximate its other end. This second link also provides for handmovement.

In another alternate embodiment, each linkage assembly includes a singlemember which is pivotally supported proximal one end to thereciprocating member closest to the end moving substantially parallelwith the floor or base and is vertically restrained proximal its otherend to the base portion of the frame.

In yet another alternate embodiment, each linkage assembly includes asingle member having a foot contact portion and an elongated portion.One end of the single member is pivotally attached proximal the footportion to a reciprocating member proximal the first end of thereciprocating member. The single member is then laterally restrainedproximal its distal end to the top portion of the frame permitting asubstantially elliptical movement of the foot portion with thereciprocating member yet limiting displacement of the upper portion to arotational or angular movement coupled with the longitudinal movement ofthe upper portion relative to the frame.

In yet a further alternate embodiment, the means for providingsubstantially elliptical movement includes a pair of wedge members. Onewedge member being attached to each reciprocating member proximal thefirst end of said reciprocating member being linearly displayedsubstantially parallel with the floor.

In yet another embodiment of the previous alternate embodiment, alinkage assembly is provided for each reciprocating member comprisingtwo links, a first link being attached at one end to the first end ofthe reciprocating member being linearly displaced substantially parallelwith the floor. The second end of the first link is pivotally attachedto the first end of the second link. The second link is pivotallyattached proximal to its other end to the top portion of the frame, andthe other end of the second link includes a handle portion.

The more important features of this invention have been summarizedrather broadly in order that the detailed description may be betterunderstood. There are, of course, additional features of the inventionwhich will be described hereafter and which will also form the subjectof the claims appended hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to more fully describe the drawings used in the detaileddescription of the present invention, a brief description of eachdrawing is provided.

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of another alternate embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of yet another alternate embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of yet a further alternate embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PRESENT INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a frame 10 is shown comprising a baseportion 12, a mid portion 14, and a top portion 16. Referring briefly toFIG. 2, the frame 10 comprises two bottom portions 12a and 12b, two midportions 14a and 14b, and two top portions 16a and 16b. In essence, theframe is comprised of two separate bents "a" and "b". Obviously,variations can be made to frame 10 as disclosed without departing fromthe spirit of the invention.

A coupling system 20 is fixed relative to the frame and comprises apulley 22, crank members 24, resistant brake 23, sheave 28 and belt 30.Two reciprocating members 32 are positioned in the lower proximity offrame 10. Each reciprocating member 32 has one end 34 which is adaptedto move laterally in a linear direction as shown in FIG. 1. A roller 36is mounted at each end 34 of reciprocating member 32 and is adapted, asshown in FIG. 1, to ride on base portion 12 of frame 10. Alternatively,roller 36 may directly engage the floor, if desirable. The other end 38of each reciprocating member 32 is pivotally connected to one end of acrank 24. The pivotal connection at end 38 may be through a pivotalconnection member 25 (see FIG. 2) which extends between the other ends38 of reciprocating members 32 and cranks 24. The other end of crank 24is attached to pulley 22 at the pivot axis 26 of the coupling system 20.The pivot axis 26 is the axis about which pulley 22 rotates.

In the preferred embodiment, the present invention also includes twofoot members, or contact members, 40. Each foot member 40 is pivotallyattached proximate a first end 42 through a pinned connection 44 to thereciprocating arm 32. A foot pad 50 is attached to the top surface ofeach foot member 40 at its first end 42. Each foot member 40 ispivotally attached at its other end 46 to an arm member 48. Each armmember 48 is also pivotally attached proximal its other end to the topportion 16 of frame 10. A handle portion 47 (see FIG. 2) is included atthe top end 49 of each hand member 48. Referring to FIG. 2, it can beeasily seen that the frame 10 comprises dual base portions 12A/12B, midportions 14A/14B and top portions 16A/16B. Furthermore, it can be seenthat reciprocating members 32, foot members 40 and arm members 48provide identical dual systems; each system resting on a base portion12A or 12B of the frame and each arranged to accommodate one foot andone arm of the user.

In the operation of the preferred embodiment the user "U" can ascend thepresent invention from the back or the sides which facilitate its use.In some prior art disclosures ascending and descending is difficult andcumbersome due to the location of the pulleys and other structures. See,for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,343. However, in the case of thepresent invention it is easy to ascend and descend the device as thereis a minimal amount of interference in the structure during exerciseactivity.

During operation, a climbing motion by the user results in thedisplacement of first ends 34 of each reciprocating member 32 in thedirection of arrow 100. Similarly, a circulating motion occurs at thesecond end 38 of each reciprocating member 32. However at points betweenthe opposite ends 34 and 38 of each reciprocating member 32, the motiongradually changes from a circular motion (at ends 38) to a linear motionthe ends 34. This geometric transition occurs in the form of anapproximate ellipse. It is not a perfect elliptical shape; and it tendsto be slightly more egg-shaped. However, it provides a more natural andrhythmic body movement.

It appears that the preferred location of pinned connection 44 relativeto the length of the reciprocating member 32 is in that 1/3 portionclosest to the first end 34 of each reciprocating member 32. It is inthis range that the movement of each foot of the user follows anelliptical path (as shown by approximate ellipse 102) which is the morenatural and comfortable geometric motion of the ankle and knees,minimizing stress on these joints yet permitting continuedcardiovascular exercise. During operation, the upper end 49 of each armmember 48 moves in an arc as shown by arrow 104. Such permitshand/arm/shoulder movements for exercising the upper body muscle groupswhile continuing the cardiovascular exercise.

Resistant brake 23 of coupling system 20 operates in a manner well knownto those skilled in the art. Resistant brake 23 serves to increase ordecrease the load on the pulley through the sheave 28/belt 30arrangement. Thus, resistant brake 23 serves to increase or decrease theextent of the cardiovascular workout.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention is shown. Identical two-digit reference numerals will be usedto designate similar structure found in the preferred embodiment butwith a 100 series prefix. Frame 110 comprises a lower portion 116, a midportion 114, and a top portion 116. A coupling system 120 is includedhaving identical components of the coupling system 20 described abovefor the preferred embodiment. Furthermore, coupling system 120 performsin an identical manner to coupling system 20 described above for thepreferred embodiment.

A pair of reciprocating members 132 are also included, each having afirst end 134 on which rollers 136 are mounted. The second end 138 ofeach reciprocating member 132 is pivotally connected via a pinnedconnection or pin member 125 to one end of each crank 124. Again, twofoot members 140 are included, each being pivotally connected proximatea first end 142 at pinned connection 144 to a correspondingreciprocating member 132. Each foot member 140 also includes a foot pad150 attached to the top surface of each foot member 140 at first end142. In this embodiment, however, a roller 146 is attached to each footmember 140 at its second end 145. Each roller 146 engages a top bar 113of frame 110. Each top bar 113 is connected at one end to mid portion114 of frame 110 and its other end to base portion 112. In addition, thetop portion 116 of each bent of frame 110 is connected by a bar 147which is adapted to be held by the user during exercising to provideadded stability.

In the operation of this alternate embodiment, the user ascends thedevice from the side or the rear with ease, places both feet on pads150, grabs bar 147 and begins a stair climbing motion. At that point,first ends 134 of each foot member 140 are displaced in a linear mannerin the direction of arrow 200, as in the case of the preferredembodiment. Similarly, as in the case of the preferred embodiment, ends138 of each reciprocating member 132 move in a circular motion aboutpulley 122. Again, the change from a linear movement of first ends 134of reciprocating members 132 and a circular movement of second end 138of reciprocating member 132 is an approximate ellipse of varying shape.In this alternate embodiment, the second end 145 of each foot member 140is restrained also to move linearly in the direction of arrow 200. Eachroller 146 is restrained from vertical movement by means of bar 113.Thus, in this embodiment, the user does not employ an arm member asshown on the preferred embodiment. Rather, the user grabs the bar 147for added stability.

Referring now to FIG. 4, another alternate embodiment of the presentinvention is shown. As before, similar parts will be designated by thesame two-digit reference numeral as shown in the preferred embodimentbut now with a 200 series prefix. Frame 210 again comprises a baseportion 212, a mid portion 214 and a top portion 216. A coupler system220 is also provided which is identical in structure and function tocoupling system 20 of the preferred embodiment (FIGS. 1-2). Thisalternate embodiment also includes a pair of reciprocating members 232,each having a first end 234 which moves linearly in the direction ofarrow 300 by means of rollers 236. As in the case of the previousembodiments, rollers 236 are shown engaging bottom portion 212 of theframe; however, they may slide along the floor rather than the base ofthe frame. Similarly, each reciprocating member 232 includes a secondend 238 pivotally attached to one end of a crank 224. In this alternateembodiment two contact members 240 are included having a foot portion250 angularly displaced from a longitudinal portion 251. Each contactmember 240 is pivotally connected at a first end 242 via pinnedconnection 244 to a reciprocating member 232. This alternate embodimentalso includes a sleeve 260 rotatably mounted to the top portion 216 offrame 210. Each sleeve 260 serves to laterally restrain longitudinalmember 251 of contact member 240 permitting only axial (or longitudinal)movement of member 251 relative to sleeve 260 and angular movement ofmember 251 relative to the top portion 216 of frame 210.

In operation the user ascends the device from the side or the rear andbegins the climbing motion using his feet engaging foot portions 250.The upper portion of each longitudinal member 251 includes a handleportion 247 which can be grabbed by the user. As in the case of theprevious embodiments, the climbing motion results in a lateral or lineardisplacement of first ends 234 of each reciprocating member 232 in thedirection of arrow 300. However, movement of the user's hands via handleportions 247 is not in an arc as described above with respect to thepreferred embodiment or stationary as in the case of the first alternateembodiment. Rather, the path which the hands of the user takes in thisalternate embodiment follows a generally elliptical path 304 as do thefeet (see approximate elliptical path 302). Thus, this embodimentprovides a more extensive cardiovascular exercise in that both upper andlower body motion occurs in a more natural and rhythmic patternminimizing excessive stress on the ankle, knee, elbow, and shoulderjoints.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, two further embodiments are shown. As inthe case of the previous embodiments, similar structure will be referredwith the same two-digit reference numeral but with a different prefix.In the case of FIG. 5, the designated structure has a 400 series prefixand in the case of FIG. 6, the designated structure has a 500 seriesprefix.

Referring to FIG. 5, the frame 410 comprises a bottom portion 412, a midportion 414 and a top portion 416. A coupler system 420 is shown whichincludes the same components and functions identically with the couplingsystem 20 of the preferred embodiment. Two reciprocating members 432 areincluded, each having a first end 434 to which a roller 436 is attached.The other end 438 of each reciprocating member 432 is pivotallyconnected to one end of a crank 424 of coupling system 420. The upperportion 416 of frame 410 includes a bar 447 to be grabbed by the userfor stability. A wedge or block 440 is attached to the top of eachreciprocating member 432 proximate its first end 434. Each blockincludes a foot pad 450.

As in the case of previous embodiments, the user ascends the device fromthe side or rear and begins a stair climbing motion by pressingdownwardly on each foot pad 450. In this manner the first end 434 ofeach reciprocating member 432 is linearly displaced in the direction ofarrow 400 and end 438 of each reciprocating member 432 is rotated aboutthe pivot axis of 426 of coupling system 420. As in the previousembodiments, such a configuration permits each foot of the user tofollow an elliptical path generally shown by approximate ellipse 402.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an alternate embodiment of the version depictedin FIG. 5 is illustrated. Frame 510 comprises base portion 512, midportion 514 and top portion 516. Once again, a coupling system 520 isshown identical to that in structure and function of coupling system 420in FIG. 5. Moreover, reciprocating members 532 and wedge members 540 andtheir interrelationship to coupling system 520 are identical to thatdepicted by elements 432, 440 and 420, respectively, of FIG. 5.

As in the case of the previous embodiments, operation of the deviceshown in FIG. 6 results in linear movement of first ends 534 ofreciprocating members 532 in the direction of arrow 500. The differencein this alternate embodiment, however, is a pair of linkage assemblies(one for each reciprocating member 532) comprising a first link 547 anda second link 548. One end of link 547 is attached to roller 536 of eachreciprocating member 532. First link 547 is pivotally connected atpinned connection 546 to second link 548. Second link 548 is pivotallyconnected proximate its other end to the top potion 516 of frame 510.The end of second link 548 distal said pinned connection 546 includes ahandle portion similar to handle portion 47 of FIG. 2. As in the case ofthe embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the user of the device shown in FIG. 6easily ascends the device from the side or the rear, grabs the handleportion and begins to exert downward pressure on the foot pad portionsof each wedge or block 540 in a stair climbing motion. As in theprevious embodiments, this results in a smooth substantially ellipticalmotion of each foot of the user as shown by approximate ellipse 502. Italso results in the exercising of certain muscle groups in the upperbody through rotation of the hands along the arc in the direction ofarrow 504.

An improved stationary exercising device is disclosed in the foregoingpreferred and alternate embodiments which maximizes cardiovascularexercise yet minimizes stress on critical joints. Obviously,modifications and alternations to the embodiments disclosed herein willbe apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this disclosure.However, it is intended that all such variations and modifications fallwithin the spirit and scope of this invention as claimed.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for exercising comprising:a framehaving a base portion adapted to be supported by a floor; first andsecond reciprocating members, each reciprocating member having a rearsupport and a front end; a coupler supported by said frame defining apivot axis and having crank members, each said crank member adapted torevolve about the pivot axis at one end and adapted to displace areciprocating member from the other end of the crank member so that aportion of each reciprocating member proximate said rear support of eachreciprocating member moves in a substantially reciprocating motion whilethe one end of each crank member revolves about the pivot axis; firstand second platforms for orienting the bottom of the feet of the user sothat each foot of the user follows a substantially elliptical pathduring operation of the apparatus, each said platform positioned on acorresponding reciprocating member and inclined at an acute anglerelative to a longitudinal axis of a corresponding reciprocating memberto orient the user to face the pivot axis, each said platform having aheel end and a toe end; and first and second arm linkage assemblies,each said arm linkage assembly pivotally connected at one end to areciprocating member and pivotally connected proximal the other end ofsaid arm linkage assembly to said frame, wherein the toe end of eachplatform is level with or is higher than the heel end of the samecorresponding platform at the upper most point of said elliptical pathand the heel end of each platform is level with or higher than the toeend of the same corresponding platform at the lower most point of saidelliptical path, and wherein the heel end of each platform is above thetoe end of the same corresponding platform during a portion of therearward movement of each platform away from the pivot axis.
 2. Theexercise apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each said rear supportcomprises a roller attached to each reciprocating member and adapted torollably engage the base portion of said frame.
 3. An apparatus forexercising comprising:a frame having a base portion adapted to besupported by a floor; first and second reciprocating members, eachreciprocating member having a rear support and a front end; a couplersupported by said frame defining a pivot axis and having crank members,each said crank member adapted to revolve about the pivot axis at oneend and to displace a reciprocating member from the other end of thecrank member so that a portion of each reciprocating member proximatethe rear support of each reciprocating member moves in a substantiallyreciprocating motion while the one end of each said crank memberrevolves about the pivot axis; first and second platforms for orientingthe bottom of the feet of the user so that each foot of the user followsa substantially elliptical path during operation of the apparatus, eachsaid platform positioned on a corresponding reciprocating member andinclined at an acute angle relative to an axis extending from the rearsupport of the corresponding reciprocating member to the front end ofthe same corresponding reciprocating member to orient the user to facethe pivot axis, each said platform having a heel end and a toe end; andfirst and second arm linkage assemblies, each said arm linkage assemblypivotally connected at one end to a reciprocating member and pivotallyconnected proximal the other end of said arm linkage assembly to saidframe, wherein the toe end of each platform is level with or is higherthan the heel end of the same corresponding platform at the upper mostpoint of said elliptical path and the heel end of each platform is levelwith or higher than the toe end of the same corresponding platform atthe lower most point of said elliptical path, and wherein duringoperation of the apparatus as each platform initially moves rearwardlyaway from the pivot axis the toe end of each platform falls at a fasterrate than the heel end of the same corresponding platform.
 4. Theexercise apparatus according to claim 3 wherein each said rear supportcomprises a roller attached to each reciprocating member and adapted torollably engage the base portion of said frame.
 5. An apparatus forexercising comprising:a frame having a base portion adapted to besupported by a floor; first and second reciprocating members, eachreciprocating member having a rear support and a front end; a couplersupported by said frame defining a pivot axis and having crank membersfor connecting a portion of each reciprocating member proximate thefront end of each reciprocating member to the pivot axis so that therear support of each reciprocating member moves in a substantiallyreciprocating motion while one end of each crank member orbits about thepivot axis; and first and second platforms for orienting the bottom ofthe feet of the user so that each foot of the user follows asubstantially elliptical path during operation of the apparatus, eachsaid platform positioned on a corresponding reciprocating member andinclined at an acute angle relative to a longitudinal axis of acorresponding reciprocating member to orient the user to face the pivotaxis, each said platform having a heel end and a toe end; and first andsecond arm linkage assemblies, each said arm linkage assembly pivotallyconnected at one end to a reciprocating member and pivotally connectedproximal the other end of said arm linkage assembly to said frame,wherein the toe end of each platform is level with or is higher than theheel end of the same corresponding platform at the upper most point ofsaid elliptical path and the heel end of each platform is level with orhigher than the toe end of the same corresponding platform at the lowermost point of said elliptical path, and wherein during operation of theapparatus as each platform moves rearwardly away from the pivot axis theheel end of each platform rises above the toe end of the samecorresponding platform.